Kilo lives and dies by the truth of the Shadow's Creed. So when brutal raiders raze his village, the leader is honor-bound to put aside his fighting staff and help his people rebuild. After discovering the attackers were impersonating Shadow warriors and have befouled his beloved code with blood, he's torn between duty and vengeance.

Shenrae's childhood burned in the fire that claimed her parents' souls. Knowing the assailants will attack again, she swallows her self-doubt to focus on her grueling Shadow warrior training. But when she realizes the immoral enemies are tapping into a deadly primeval powers, she's not sure even the best among her brethren are safe.

Now both face the biggest challenge of their lives: Shenrae must unlock her inner strength and Kilo could risk forsaking his code. And their only hope may be to embrace the very power that is out to kill them.

Can Kilo and Shenrae find a way to uphold their honor and defeat the dark forces?

Shadow's Hand is the first book in The Shadow's Creed Saga epic fantasy series. If you like honorable champions, archaic magic, and vivid world building inspired by feudal Japan, then you'll love Noelle Nichols' epic adventure.

"Noelle weaves an epic fantasy of engaging and relatable characters in a beautiful world of ancient magic!" - A GoodReads reviewer

"...the story is well thought-out, filled with attention to detail on environment, the senses, interactions, and all of the minutiae between. From the descriptions of the various lands within Kiriku (a sort of fantasy-based Japan), to the differing peoples, customs, etc. this story was full of life." - A GoodReads reviewer